How on earth would you clean something like that? It's beautiful but I'd be too afraid to use it EVER...it seems so fragile. But then again I think it's more of a piece of art, not necessarily intended to be a functioning piece of equipment.

This was actually a part of a private collection. Just there for display. I don't know-what do you guys think...$10,000??

The girl at the counter didn't have any info on it, but this is what I could tell by looking it over...

It's most likely a piece from the 70's. The beads, designs and colors are indicitive of that time period.

The white leather is beautiful, high quality tanned and bleached elk hide. The beading quality is exceptional-very even and consistent. The beading is not an overlay on a previously assembled saddle-the leather was all beaded and assembled into the saddle. Most likely all hand stitched together since machine stitching would damage the edge beads.

Beadwork is actually quite durable, especially when backed by something solid. The durability really revolves around the type of thread used. The best and longest lasting is sinew. Cleaning the actual beadwork is pretty easy-a damp toothbrush easily removes dirt and grime. It's best to avoid soaking it, but dryness is usually the biggest culprit of broken threads. Well that and unnecessarily banging it into things. There are a couple of places on the saddle that I could see rubbing or wear would cause eventual damage-the upper fenders and the beadwork that runs under the leg. The rear fenders and lower leg fender should actually hold up pretty well to use. But that white leather? Gak-I bet that would be a bugger to keep clean.

I really suspect that this was built as a parade piece-although it doesn't look like it has been used. There are no wear marks on the seat and the sheepskin looks brand new. Considering it is almost always women who do this type of beading, especially at this level of workmanship, I'd say that probably two people involved in building it.

The only other thing I can tell you is that it is a Plains Indian design and style of beading. But I have never seen anyone from around here do anything like this. It may be Crow(Montana), but I kinda surmise that it was a custom ordered set and most likely came out of the 4-corners region.

The headstalls and breastcollars can be found around here. They are getting fairly rare as collectors have snapped most of them up, but you can still find a few who do them. $$$$

LOL Melanie-I was thinking it would look pretty shiny on Moon. Wouldn't that make the yellow pop?;)

Your blog's been a drool fest lately!! I'm just crazy about that yellow Harley of your mans! It really stands out, I dont think I've ever seen one around here. The body paint was cool too but those girls chickened out... Go full monty or go home ladies! lol

This beaded saddle is beautiful! Reminds me of this lady who does really fabulous stuff as well...

http://angelaswedberg.blogspot.com

I'm dying to get a pair of chaps made by her....And is sounds like you know something about beading? Have you done some? Pics? lol Your art is gorgeous so I'm sure you'd be great at it.

Wow-her work is amazing Horse Crazed. I've never done anything on that level. I used to bead a lot, but like most things I used to do, just have not been able to get back into it. I keep hoping that my creative side will flair up again.

However, I did have a handmade, antler handled knife made for Chris last year. I have promised him that I will make the case for it. Maybe that will spark my interest again.;)